Near and Never Alone

These days, its very rare that I have any alone time. I eat, sleep, breathe, and well, just about do everything with tiny humans around. When I shower, I have to strategically set up a safe space for my infant in my master bathroom.

Since she is not yet mobile, I place her in her baby bouncer seat or her rock ‘n play sleeper. I set it up in the middle of the floor, away from anything that can harm her. Then, I turn on the ceiling exhaust fan in hopes that the humming sound will soothe her.

Unfortunately, most days that ceiling exhaust fan doesn’t work. She stays content for mere seconds. Then, she begins her crying fit. Usually from a whimper to a full blown wail before I know it.

I most assuredly try to console her behind that sliding, shower door. I speak affirmations to her, sing to her, and sometimes try to play peek-a-boo. None of which helps.

I mean I don’t blame her one bit. She’s a tiny baby amidst a giant room. When my voice calls out, it is magnified into echoes. That can be a scary circumstance and lead her to confusion.

But, once I exit the shower and pick her up she is instantly comforted. For her, it’s not enough to hear my voice. She wants to feel me near.

It’s remarkable to me how much I truly understand her desires. In my relationship with God, I often ask to hear His voice. Oftentimes when I do, I am still searching for more. I typically utter the words, “I look forward to joining You in heaven so I can feel Your embrace”.

One particular day, as this very scenario transpired with my infant, I was gently reminded some truths.

Even when I seem so tiny amidst giant circumstances and anything that might harm… I am strategically placed in a safe space by my heavenly Father.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord : He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. Psalms 1-‬2 (NLT)

Even when I’m left confused trying to distinguish God’s voice in comparison to my own echoing thoughts… He is speaking affirmations and is singing over me.

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

Even when I do not feel consoled enough… God reminds me that I don’t have to wait until I get to heaven to feel His embrace. He is near me even now.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.Psalm 145:17‭-‬19 (NIV)

Just like my children who are never left alone, my God never leaves me alone. He is constantly involved in all that I do. He is my safe place from harm. He is my calm and soothes my soul. He is near and embraces me when I seek Him.

• Blogger Tip: Write one or all of the scriptures on an index card. When you feel alone, read the scripture aloud. Allow the Truth to transform your mind. •

“..It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”—embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That’s salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: “God has set everything right between him and me!”- Romans 10:4-10 (MSG)